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CNN Sunday Morning
Tropical Storm Gaston Close to Coming Ashore on South Carolina Coast; Two French Journalists Kidnapped in Iraq
Aired August 29, 2004 - 08:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DREW GRIFFIN, CNN ANCHOR: We welcome you back from the CNN center in Atlanta. This is CNN SUNDAY MORNING, August 29, 8 AM in Charleston, South Carolina, 3 PM in Athens, closing ceremonies today.
Good morning. I'm Drew Griffin.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Betty Nguyen. Thank you much for being with us. We want to tell you about what's happening in the news.
As mentioned, Gaston is at or near hurricane strength right now and is close to coming ashore on the South Carolina coast. Unlike Hurricane Charley two weeks ago, Gaston is moving much more slowly. That means the South Carolina low country could get up to 10 inches of rain in some places.
Two French journalists missing in Iraq for a week apparently were kidnapped. One works for Radio France International. The other, for the newspaper "Le Figaro." Al Jazeera aired videotapes of both men, along with a message from their supposed captors.
A group called the Islamic Army of Iraq is demanding a French law be overturned that bans Muslim students from wearing head scarves in public schools.
And in Athens, the Olympic flame will be extinguished today bringing the 2004 Summer Games to an end. Among the events to be completed will be the men's' marathon, which begins in the Greek village of Marathon. The venues will not be idle for long though. The paraolympic games begin September 17 in Athens.
GRIFFIN: And here's a look at what we have for you this half hour coming up. Don't split for the coast, at least not the South Carolina coast. Gaston is nearing hurricane strength and bearing down on the Charleston area and above it. Rob Marciano will have details on that shortly.
In New York, preparations and some protests before the Republican National Convention. We'll get live updates on both.
And do you just got to get away. We've got some tips on last minute and very affordable, apparently, Labor Day weekend travel deals.
NGUYEN: I like the sound of that. GRIFFIN: Up first though, he came from nowhere and now appears to be causing some trouble. Gaston is about to storm ashore in South Carolina. Rob Marciano watching his progress.
Rob.
ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Hi, Drew. You're right about that. I mean it pretty much came out of nowhere. Just two days ago it was just a little blimp on the satellite imaginary. Now it's a form on tropical storm. It could very well be a hurricane and this is the result. Live shots for you out of Charleston, South Carolina and the surrounding areas. And some of the higher cameras on some of those towers certainly blowing in that breeze.
North winds gusting to nearly 50 miles and hour. So, it is definitely a bit stormy there in Charleston. Actually more so than when they saw Charley. The western flank of this storm looks to be a little bit better organized.
Here it is on the radar screen, and you will see the eye with this thing and the rain surrounding the eye and the circulation that we're all familiar with and the brighter colors that extend all the way inland to Columbia, South Carolina.
So, along the I95 corridor, pretty far away from the coastline, it's a pretty wet and windy drive. So, be aware of that if you have some travel plans there.
There's Charleston. It is just offshore by about 30 miles. It is drifting off to the north. It will go a little bit farther north, Wilmington, which caught a piece of Charley two weeks ago (UNINTELLIGIBLE) and Myrtle Beach is going to be under the gun here too in the next couple of hours.
As far as the warnings are concerned, from the Savannah River basically Georgia and South Carolina border up through the North and South Carolina border we have hurricane warnings up and then a tropical storm up through Surf City. And this thing is coming in, Drew and Betty, right at high tide, and a pretty high tide because it's the full moon as well. So, storm surge flooding could be in excess of six, seven maybe even eight feet in some spots. So, of course the residents probably very concerned about that for sure.
NGUYEN: Now, Rob is it going to cause more problems because it's moving slower than Charley did when it came through that area two weeks ago?
MARCIANO: It could cause more problems in that Charley already saturated the ground. So, they're over -- they've seen over twice as much rainfall in the month of August as they typically would. So, the water doesn't have any where to go when this thing comes on shore. So it's going to bring some heavy rain on top of some saturated ground. So, yes, it could some issues there.
And it's coming in at about the same strength as Charley did. So, kind of a repeat performance. Deja vu all over again, as Yogi Berra would say.
NGUYEN: Not a good one either. OK, thank you Rob.
MARCIANO: All right.
NGUYEN: And as mentioned, South Carolina is getting ready to face this storm. We'll get a live update from Georgetown. That will happen in just a couple of minutes.
In New York as GOP convention delegates begin to arrive, convention protesters are already up and at 'em. Deborah Feyerick has the pulse of the protesters while Bob Franken is outside Madison Square Garden with a preview of this week's festivities.
Good morning.
BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning. And I think it's fair to say we have a category five political event. A lot of wind here before the week was over. A lot of noise too. And a lot of the claustrophobia that's always the case in New York City, exacerbated by the thousands who are here, the heavy, heavy security that's pushing people even closer together and making it even more difficult to move around the city.
As far as the reason for all of this, it really begins tomorrow inside of Madison Square Garden, which you see in back of me. The sports events replaced by the political events. And the delegates are starting to trickle. We caught up with the Texas delegation, arrived yesterday. Some of the biggies come in later.
Vice President Cheney is expected at Ellis Island during the noon hour. He will have arrived in New Jersey. He is going to be speaking on Wednesday night. Of course, the main event is going to be Thursday night. That's when president Bush makes his speech in a special stage, a theater in the round stage.
And we all will be looking, of course, to see whether this convention sets the state for the president to successfully go out and campaign or whether it's going to become just another issue in the campaign. Once this convention is over the campaign really begins, Kerry vs. Bush, and that's going to be occurring.
But first this event, the convention in New York.
Betty.
NGUYEN: Bob Franken bracing himself for a category five political storm there. Thank you, Bob.
Drew.
GRIFFIN: Thousands of protesters already getting warmed up there. Abortion rights activists marched across the Brooklyn Bridge yesterday. The event organized by Planned Parenthood, there they are.
A handful of anti-abortion activist got into a shouting match with those marchers. The demonstration one of several across New York. In Central Park an exhibit called Eyes Wide shut displayed 972 pairs of soldiers' boots. Each bears the name of a U.S. soldier killed in Iraq.
And bells rang out at Ground Zero. Anti-Bush demonstrators rang 2,749 hand bells in memory of those who died in the September 11th attacks. The group called Ring Out claims President Bush does not speak to World Trade Center victims nor for New York residents.
Well, Saturday's protest were expected to be a mere prelude. Today what is expected to be a huge anti-war march will pass by the convention site. Organizers say they are hoping for 250,000 people.
You never really know, Deborah Feyerick, until they actually show. You're in Manhattan.
DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, that's exactly right and police certainly are ready to greet them. This is a rally that's being organized by a group called United for Peace and Justice. It's really a coalition of about 800 different protest groups.
Ad you said yesterday, it was about reproductive rights. Today though the message is about opposing the war in Iraq, people who are against the Bush agenda there.
Now there's going to be a lot of people here, as you mentioned, about a quarter of a million. A very, very diverse crowd. We are expecting some veterans, some families who lost loved ones on 9/11, military families, also environmentalists, civil rights activists.
And yes, there will be anarchist. And nobody knows exactly how they are going to react today. Protest organizers are really trying to strike a very delicate balance here. They want to set the right tone. They don't want this rally to be something that can be used by the very party that they are protesting against.
It's fair to say that there has been some confusion. The march wanted to end ultimately at Central Park, but the organizers were denied permits and they declined to go over to the west side of the highway. So what's going to happen is that they will march up the avenue past Madison Square Garden, turn around and then come back down.
Nobody knows where they're going to go afterwards. That's really the wild card. The mayor has says he does expect people to end up in Central Park, but he has told them that they must follow the rules while they are there.
In the meantime, The New York Civil Liberties Union they are handing out different cards to the protesters here, essentially what to do if you are stopped by police. And at the top of the list is don't get into an argument with police. Keep your hands where police can see them. Don't resist even if you believe you are innocent.
So again, The Civil Liberties Union they want to make sure that even if people are stopped that their rights are protected. And the mayor and police saying your rights are protected, as long as you don't do anything wrong.
Drew.
GRIFFIN: Deborah we'll be watching all day with you. Thank you.
NGUYEN: And stay with CNN for complete convention coverage. It begins tonight with an in depth look at the president. CNN presents "The Mission of George W. Bush at 8 PM eastern. That is followed by a special live edition of "LARRY KING WEEKEND."
Then at 10 p.m. Eastern, join Wolf Blitzer and Judy Woodruff for an "America Votes 2004 Special", a preview of the Republican National Convention.
GRIFFIN: Now if you have questions about the Republican National Convention we are here to help, at least somebody is here. Coming up in two hours on CNN SUNDAY MORNING these two guys, CNN's Al Hunt and Mark Shields from "THE CAPITAL GANG." Join us live from New York. And if you've got a question you want to ask them, anything political, start sending your questions now to wam@cnn.com.
Betty.
NGUYEN: Yes, anything political is the key.
GRIFFIN: Yes.
NGUYEN: Senator John Kerry is at home in Massachusetts after an east to west tour of six states. CNN's Joe Johns was with Kerry at his last campaign stop and that was in Tacoma, Washington.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOE JOHNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Wrapping up the week before the start of the Republican National Convention, a parting shot from John Kerry at a packed rally in Tacoma, Washington.
SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I can't tell you how happy I am to be here again. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) I spent my anniversary here a few weeks ago.
Thank you.
JOHNS: The Kerry message these last few days, designed to counter George Bush's contention that the economy has turned a corner.
KERRY: They tell you this is the best economy in America's history folks. And then they turn around and they say that any of us who have a better idea and we tell you the truth about what's happening we're pessimists.
JOHNS: And there was a blistering attack on the president's conduct of the war by Former General Wesley Clark.
WESLEY CLARK, FMR. GENERAL: George Bush is indecisive. He's incompetent. We need a new commander and chief. JOHNS: Kerry spent this last week barn storming coast-to-coast. From Boston to New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Minnesota, California and Washington State, the Swift Boat controversy dominated the early part of the week.
After being criticized for failing to respond quickly, Kerry came out swinging.
KERRY: I am absolutely telling you the God's honest truth about what happened and what took place over there.
JOHNS: The most important stops were in swing states like football crazy Wisconsin where Kerry had a rare slip up.
KERRY: And in deference to Lambert Field and Vince, whom I've quoted a few times, I've got to go to this Packer fan here.
JOHNS: That's Lambo Field, Senator Kerry.
(on-camera): Kerry is off to Nantucket for a few days of rest and relaxation, but in a break from tradition he is expected to hold at least on campaign event while the Republic Convention is underway. He's expected to address the veterans of the American Legion.
Republicans say they will be watching that speech closely to gauge how veterans are responding to the Swift Boat controversy.
Joe Johnson, CNN, Tacoma, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
GRIFFIN: Tropical storm Gaston swirling off the Carolina coast this hour. We're going to have a live report from Georgetown, South Carolina, right in the path.
NGUYEN: Plus we have a look at Labor Day getaways. Don't you want to get away? Well, you still have time to make plans for next weekend and we can show you some great deals.
GRIFFIN: Bike helmets to cafeteria foods, choices that will keep your kids healthy as they go back to school. That is ahead on "HOUSE CALL."
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HOLLY FIRFER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): There are many claims that soy might prevent everything from cancer and heart disease to menopause, but does it really help? For instance does soy help menopause?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It doesn't change the cognitive effects of menopause. It doesn't change the sleep disturbances of menopause. But yes, it will take away hot flashes.
FIRFER: The reason, soy contains isoflavins (ph), which can mimic estrogen. Some researchers have been concerned that ingredient could cause cancer in post menopausal women, but recent studies show that's now the case.
Studies also suggest soy might reduce the risks of cancer for some women, but if you're at risk for breast cancer the American Cancer Society says, taking soy might not be a good idea.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's not a cure all, it not an end all, it's not a magic potent, but it is a good dietary supplement.
FIRFER: Holly Firfer, CNN, Atlanta.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NGUYEN: Tropical Storm Gaston, soon to be hurricane is coming ashore along the South Carolina coast.
GRIFFIN: Erin Kienzle, WCSC is standing by in Georgetown's boardwalk, South Carolina. That's just north of Charleston. Isn't that right, Erin?
ERIN KIENZLE, WCSC: That's right, yes. We're north of the storm and right now we're managing to stay relatively dry. Just a few sprinkles. Winds are starting to pick up, plus high tide is coming in. And with this storm we expect three to six inches of rain fall on top of the high tide. We could see moderate to severe flooding. And folks in Georgetown say that this is the spot where you would see the flooding.
We have been watching right here this beam, if you will, in the water. And just about an hour ago you can see, imagine where those two posts cross, that's now under water so that's how high the tide is.
And it is also an astronomical high tide, which is also, of course, going to add to the flooding.
And I just have to mention this. As we are waiting for the storm, the rains, the winds to pick up, I'm also standing by the sigh that says "Do Not Feed the Alligators." So, just a little something also at the back of our mid.
But folks here in Georgetown they've tied down their boats and just waiting to brace and ride out the storm.
Reporting live in Georgetown, I'm Erin Kienzle. I'll send it back to you in Atlanta.
NGUYEN: Not sure you're going to be dealing with alligators today. Maybe a lot of rain, but probably not alligators.
Thank you.
GRIFFIN: Be careful just the same.
If you're just joining us we're going to take a look at what's happening. Gaston whipping South Carolina with wind and rains. The storm it just popped up in the Atlantic on Friday basically and this morning took aim at the middle of the Palm Meadows (ph) states coastline. It's slow moving and does threaten, as we've been reporting, some serious flooding in those already saturated areas.
In New York City, Madison Square Garden is buzzing with last minute preps for the Republican National Convention. The four day garden party will culminate Thursday with President Bush rallying supporters in his bid for a second term.
NGUYEN: And we will have much more including the Athens closing ceremonies, which will be taking place today. And plus we are following Tropical Storm Gaston. Rob Marciano is following that as well and he'll have an update when we get back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
GRIFFIN: We're getting some word now that churches in the Charleston and South Carolina area are canceling services this morning, want everybody to stay home.
NGUYEN: Road closings, churches, people are urged to stay inside. What is Gaston doing right now Rob Marciano?
MARCIANO: Drifting off to the north and doing so in a fairly orderly manner guys. Welcome back. Here we go. This is the eye of the storm and actually it's pretty much making landfall right now. And over the next couple of hours it will be moving, scooting just to the east of Charleston.
Right now we've got wind at Myrtle Beach not too bad, 25, 30 miles and hour. So, it has some time before it really takes effect there. But really the impressive thing about this particularly storm which is, I should mention, not quite a hurricane just yet, almost, almost.
But the rain and the squally weather goes well inland into Columbia, South Carolina. So, I95 drivers definitely feeling the brunt of this storm as well.
Here's Charleston. It's about 30 miles, just offshore, but here's the eye and here's the coastline. So, it's pretty much making landfall right now and will continue to do so as it drifts to the north at about seven miles an hour.
Wilmington back towards Myrtle Beach and a lot of rain into Florence. Myrtle Beach seven inches above normal for rainfall for the month of August. A full foot of rain. And they average about five inches for the month of August itself.
These are the latest numbers, winds at 70 miles an hour. If they get up to 75 it will be classified as a category one hurricane, moving through the north at seven. And right now it's just a tropical storm.
This front is going to push it offshore a little bit as it gets closer to it, but it's a pretty slow moving front. And this has dumped some heavy rain. Yesterday it dumped heavy rain in Kansas City. Last night in through in Ohio, and Detroit also seeing some showers and storms with this particular system.
Cool and dry though in Chicago 70. Hazy, hot and humid ahead of this system, 90 in D.C., 90 in New York, and 86 degrees in Boston.
One of the things they don't want to see is Hurricane Hugo. They had it about 15 years ago across parts of South Carolina. Do we or do we not have any video of that historic storm that almost every tropical meteorologist has studied at one time or another. Here we go, Hurricane Hugo. And they have since retired that name, making landfall in South Carolina about 15 years ago, and that's some of the video.
That is not what we're going to see Drew and Betty as Gaston moves on shore, even if it becomes a hurricane in the next couple of hours.
NGUYEN: Not a category four like Hugo.
MARCIANO: No.
NGUYEN: That thing caused some what, $7 billion in damage?
MARCIANO: it's one of the highest...
GRIFFIN: I covered that one and I remember how wide it was. Remember that? It was a huge massive storm.
MARCIANO: It's one of those -- everybody has studied if you study meteorology Hugh is one of them.
GRIFFIN: All right. Thanks Rob.
NGUYEN: Thanks Rob.
MARCIANO: OK.
GRIFFIN: Other headlines across America. Police in the Houston, Texas area say a 10 year old killed his father, shooting him repeatedly. The alleged motive, the boy apparently didn't want to spend the weekend with his dad. His parents are divorced.
In northern Arizona federal officials sifting through the wreckage of a plane collision. Two stunt planes hit each other yesterday during a practice. Both pilots who taught at top flight schools were killed. Officials trying to find out what went wrong there.
Finally the singer known for her 1980s mega hit, "Gloria" is dead, Laura Branigan. She was 47 years old. Her brother said she died of a brain aneurysm at her Long Island home. Branigan had several albums, four Grammy nominations, but she never topped the signature song from her debut album.
Gloria stayed atop the pop charts for 36 weeks.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
GRIFFIN: Seeing all of those pictures from the Olympics may want you to travel, right? Looks good. Well it's too late for Greece for the Olympics, but for Americans who've just got to get away the Labor Day weekend the last blast of summer. Stephanie Oswald is editor-in- chief and co-founder, "Travel Girl" magazine. She's here right now to tell us about some very incredible deals. These are really great deals if you can just bust up and go.
STEPHANIE OSWALD, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, "TRAVEL GIRL" MAGAZINE: That's true. There are fantastic deals right now, especially domestic carriers. They have flights, you can go anywhere, $200 can get you from coast to coast. New York City to Miami for less than $200.
And if you want to go to Mexico or the Caribbean American Airlines has this deal right now. The beach is calling. So, make your plans.
GRIFFIN: Well, let's run through it. We have some of the information, I believe, on the screen. Let's talk about what you think is the best deal if you can just -- I mean you can just make this decision this morning and go next weekend?
OSWALD: Exactly. There are actually some Web sites, flight59.com is one that I always talk about. It's -- you can book a flight up to three hours before for domestic and five hours international. So if you're ready to go and you've got a few hours you can take off.
GRIFFIN: Let's talk some specifics. You're sitting in Chicago right now. Man you've just go to get to LA.
OSWALD: Oh, go to the Web site and pretty much that's going to be probably less than $200 right now.
But here's the key. You can't just go there and say I want to leave at 6 o'clock and I want to return at 6 o'clock on Sunday night. You have to be able to say I'm going to be flexible. I might have to leave Saturday morning at 8. Or I might have to come back Monday morning or Tuesday morning instead of, you know, Sunday night. You have to be very flexible.
GRIFFIN: How did this -- is this the total end of the season for these air carriers and they're just trying to get whatever money then can before the fall slump starts?
OSWALD: You know, I think part of it is the attitude Labor Day weekend it's a time -- it a last hurrah and people just want to take off and the airlines and the cruise ships, I mean it's not just airlines it's cruise ships too. You can get some great deals on cruises right now. And there are so many more different ports along both coasts and the Gulf of Mexico.
If you can -- if you don't want to fly, you can get in your car, drive to a part and take a cruise. And Labor Day weekend a lot of great deals for that as well.
GRIFFIN: You have some other tips talking about determining your travel goal. What's a travel goal? OSWALD: What I mean is do you want to just take off, does it not matter? I mean you can go to a -- there's another Web site called eleventhhourvacations.com where you -- all you need is a destination city, a departure city or a date. So, all you need is one of those things.
So, if you know you just want to take off you put in well, I'm in Atlanta. Where can I go from Atlanta? It will give you the top five deals to get away from Atlanta.
Or if you know I want to go to Aruba you put in there I want to go to Aruba it will give you the top five deals to get to Aruba.
GRIFFIN: Your other tip is pretty much self explanatory except for squeaky wheel philosophy. What is that?
OSWALD: The squeaky wheel philosophy is that if you see a deal online, like there's another Web site called travelzoo.com, and Travel Zoo they are kind of a warehouse and there are say, right now if you go on there there's about 40 deals. But not all of those deals are happening right now.
For example there's one on there for Greece, $899 to Greece for next weekend. Well, that included airfare and four nights at a hotel. That deal is not available right now. It was available when it first went up on the Web site.
But if you go to a Web site like that and you find a deal, for example, the Kimberly Hotel in New York, they were advertising $195 for a junior suite including breakfast and a yacht cruise around the harbor in New York. Well, I called there and that was no longer available.
However, when I mentioned the Travel Zoo Web site and they deal they said well, we'll give you a room for $195. So, you still get the same rate, but you didn't get the breakfast or the cruise.
And once I talked to them for a few more minutes they said well, you know what if the cruise is available and you're there we would give you the cruise too.
GRIFFIN: All right.
OSWALD: That's what I'm talking about. You've got to ask sometimes and they'll still give you a deal.
NGUYEN: $195, that is a deal.
OSWALD: Yes, yes.
GRIFFIN: All right, Stephanie Oswald, thank you for those travel tips.
NGUYEN: Flight59.com and eleventhhourvacations.com. I've written them down.
GRIFFIN: I've got a feeling this will be a solo show.
NGUYEN: Not here next weekend.
OSWALD: All right.
NGUYEN: Well, classes, field trips, after school sports they've all started up again. We'll get advice to make sure your child is fit for all of it. That's ahead on "HOUSE CALL" right after this break and some headlines.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired August 29, 2004 - 08:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DREW GRIFFIN, CNN ANCHOR: We welcome you back from the CNN center in Atlanta. This is CNN SUNDAY MORNING, August 29, 8 AM in Charleston, South Carolina, 3 PM in Athens, closing ceremonies today.
Good morning. I'm Drew Griffin.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Betty Nguyen. Thank you much for being with us. We want to tell you about what's happening in the news.
As mentioned, Gaston is at or near hurricane strength right now and is close to coming ashore on the South Carolina coast. Unlike Hurricane Charley two weeks ago, Gaston is moving much more slowly. That means the South Carolina low country could get up to 10 inches of rain in some places.
Two French journalists missing in Iraq for a week apparently were kidnapped. One works for Radio France International. The other, for the newspaper "Le Figaro." Al Jazeera aired videotapes of both men, along with a message from their supposed captors.
A group called the Islamic Army of Iraq is demanding a French law be overturned that bans Muslim students from wearing head scarves in public schools.
And in Athens, the Olympic flame will be extinguished today bringing the 2004 Summer Games to an end. Among the events to be completed will be the men's' marathon, which begins in the Greek village of Marathon. The venues will not be idle for long though. The paraolympic games begin September 17 in Athens.
GRIFFIN: And here's a look at what we have for you this half hour coming up. Don't split for the coast, at least not the South Carolina coast. Gaston is nearing hurricane strength and bearing down on the Charleston area and above it. Rob Marciano will have details on that shortly.
In New York, preparations and some protests before the Republican National Convention. We'll get live updates on both.
And do you just got to get away. We've got some tips on last minute and very affordable, apparently, Labor Day weekend travel deals.
NGUYEN: I like the sound of that. GRIFFIN: Up first though, he came from nowhere and now appears to be causing some trouble. Gaston is about to storm ashore in South Carolina. Rob Marciano watching his progress.
Rob.
ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Hi, Drew. You're right about that. I mean it pretty much came out of nowhere. Just two days ago it was just a little blimp on the satellite imaginary. Now it's a form on tropical storm. It could very well be a hurricane and this is the result. Live shots for you out of Charleston, South Carolina and the surrounding areas. And some of the higher cameras on some of those towers certainly blowing in that breeze.
North winds gusting to nearly 50 miles and hour. So, it is definitely a bit stormy there in Charleston. Actually more so than when they saw Charley. The western flank of this storm looks to be a little bit better organized.
Here it is on the radar screen, and you will see the eye with this thing and the rain surrounding the eye and the circulation that we're all familiar with and the brighter colors that extend all the way inland to Columbia, South Carolina.
So, along the I95 corridor, pretty far away from the coastline, it's a pretty wet and windy drive. So, be aware of that if you have some travel plans there.
There's Charleston. It is just offshore by about 30 miles. It is drifting off to the north. It will go a little bit farther north, Wilmington, which caught a piece of Charley two weeks ago (UNINTELLIGIBLE) and Myrtle Beach is going to be under the gun here too in the next couple of hours.
As far as the warnings are concerned, from the Savannah River basically Georgia and South Carolina border up through the North and South Carolina border we have hurricane warnings up and then a tropical storm up through Surf City. And this thing is coming in, Drew and Betty, right at high tide, and a pretty high tide because it's the full moon as well. So, storm surge flooding could be in excess of six, seven maybe even eight feet in some spots. So, of course the residents probably very concerned about that for sure.
NGUYEN: Now, Rob is it going to cause more problems because it's moving slower than Charley did when it came through that area two weeks ago?
MARCIANO: It could cause more problems in that Charley already saturated the ground. So, they're over -- they've seen over twice as much rainfall in the month of August as they typically would. So, the water doesn't have any where to go when this thing comes on shore. So it's going to bring some heavy rain on top of some saturated ground. So, yes, it could some issues there.
And it's coming in at about the same strength as Charley did. So, kind of a repeat performance. Deja vu all over again, as Yogi Berra would say.
NGUYEN: Not a good one either. OK, thank you Rob.
MARCIANO: All right.
NGUYEN: And as mentioned, South Carolina is getting ready to face this storm. We'll get a live update from Georgetown. That will happen in just a couple of minutes.
In New York as GOP convention delegates begin to arrive, convention protesters are already up and at 'em. Deborah Feyerick has the pulse of the protesters while Bob Franken is outside Madison Square Garden with a preview of this week's festivities.
Good morning.
BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning. And I think it's fair to say we have a category five political event. A lot of wind here before the week was over. A lot of noise too. And a lot of the claustrophobia that's always the case in New York City, exacerbated by the thousands who are here, the heavy, heavy security that's pushing people even closer together and making it even more difficult to move around the city.
As far as the reason for all of this, it really begins tomorrow inside of Madison Square Garden, which you see in back of me. The sports events replaced by the political events. And the delegates are starting to trickle. We caught up with the Texas delegation, arrived yesterday. Some of the biggies come in later.
Vice President Cheney is expected at Ellis Island during the noon hour. He will have arrived in New Jersey. He is going to be speaking on Wednesday night. Of course, the main event is going to be Thursday night. That's when president Bush makes his speech in a special stage, a theater in the round stage.
And we all will be looking, of course, to see whether this convention sets the state for the president to successfully go out and campaign or whether it's going to become just another issue in the campaign. Once this convention is over the campaign really begins, Kerry vs. Bush, and that's going to be occurring.
But first this event, the convention in New York.
Betty.
NGUYEN: Bob Franken bracing himself for a category five political storm there. Thank you, Bob.
Drew.
GRIFFIN: Thousands of protesters already getting warmed up there. Abortion rights activists marched across the Brooklyn Bridge yesterday. The event organized by Planned Parenthood, there they are.
A handful of anti-abortion activist got into a shouting match with those marchers. The demonstration one of several across New York. In Central Park an exhibit called Eyes Wide shut displayed 972 pairs of soldiers' boots. Each bears the name of a U.S. soldier killed in Iraq.
And bells rang out at Ground Zero. Anti-Bush demonstrators rang 2,749 hand bells in memory of those who died in the September 11th attacks. The group called Ring Out claims President Bush does not speak to World Trade Center victims nor for New York residents.
Well, Saturday's protest were expected to be a mere prelude. Today what is expected to be a huge anti-war march will pass by the convention site. Organizers say they are hoping for 250,000 people.
You never really know, Deborah Feyerick, until they actually show. You're in Manhattan.
DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, that's exactly right and police certainly are ready to greet them. This is a rally that's being organized by a group called United for Peace and Justice. It's really a coalition of about 800 different protest groups.
Ad you said yesterday, it was about reproductive rights. Today though the message is about opposing the war in Iraq, people who are against the Bush agenda there.
Now there's going to be a lot of people here, as you mentioned, about a quarter of a million. A very, very diverse crowd. We are expecting some veterans, some families who lost loved ones on 9/11, military families, also environmentalists, civil rights activists.
And yes, there will be anarchist. And nobody knows exactly how they are going to react today. Protest organizers are really trying to strike a very delicate balance here. They want to set the right tone. They don't want this rally to be something that can be used by the very party that they are protesting against.
It's fair to say that there has been some confusion. The march wanted to end ultimately at Central Park, but the organizers were denied permits and they declined to go over to the west side of the highway. So what's going to happen is that they will march up the avenue past Madison Square Garden, turn around and then come back down.
Nobody knows where they're going to go afterwards. That's really the wild card. The mayor has says he does expect people to end up in Central Park, but he has told them that they must follow the rules while they are there.
In the meantime, The New York Civil Liberties Union they are handing out different cards to the protesters here, essentially what to do if you are stopped by police. And at the top of the list is don't get into an argument with police. Keep your hands where police can see them. Don't resist even if you believe you are innocent.
So again, The Civil Liberties Union they want to make sure that even if people are stopped that their rights are protected. And the mayor and police saying your rights are protected, as long as you don't do anything wrong.
Drew.
GRIFFIN: Deborah we'll be watching all day with you. Thank you.
NGUYEN: And stay with CNN for complete convention coverage. It begins tonight with an in depth look at the president. CNN presents "The Mission of George W. Bush at 8 PM eastern. That is followed by a special live edition of "LARRY KING WEEKEND."
Then at 10 p.m. Eastern, join Wolf Blitzer and Judy Woodruff for an "America Votes 2004 Special", a preview of the Republican National Convention.
GRIFFIN: Now if you have questions about the Republican National Convention we are here to help, at least somebody is here. Coming up in two hours on CNN SUNDAY MORNING these two guys, CNN's Al Hunt and Mark Shields from "THE CAPITAL GANG." Join us live from New York. And if you've got a question you want to ask them, anything political, start sending your questions now to wam@cnn.com.
Betty.
NGUYEN: Yes, anything political is the key.
GRIFFIN: Yes.
NGUYEN: Senator John Kerry is at home in Massachusetts after an east to west tour of six states. CNN's Joe Johns was with Kerry at his last campaign stop and that was in Tacoma, Washington.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOE JOHNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Wrapping up the week before the start of the Republican National Convention, a parting shot from John Kerry at a packed rally in Tacoma, Washington.
SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I can't tell you how happy I am to be here again. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) I spent my anniversary here a few weeks ago.
Thank you.
JOHNS: The Kerry message these last few days, designed to counter George Bush's contention that the economy has turned a corner.
KERRY: They tell you this is the best economy in America's history folks. And then they turn around and they say that any of us who have a better idea and we tell you the truth about what's happening we're pessimists.
JOHNS: And there was a blistering attack on the president's conduct of the war by Former General Wesley Clark.
WESLEY CLARK, FMR. GENERAL: George Bush is indecisive. He's incompetent. We need a new commander and chief. JOHNS: Kerry spent this last week barn storming coast-to-coast. From Boston to New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Minnesota, California and Washington State, the Swift Boat controversy dominated the early part of the week.
After being criticized for failing to respond quickly, Kerry came out swinging.
KERRY: I am absolutely telling you the God's honest truth about what happened and what took place over there.
JOHNS: The most important stops were in swing states like football crazy Wisconsin where Kerry had a rare slip up.
KERRY: And in deference to Lambert Field and Vince, whom I've quoted a few times, I've got to go to this Packer fan here.
JOHNS: That's Lambo Field, Senator Kerry.
(on-camera): Kerry is off to Nantucket for a few days of rest and relaxation, but in a break from tradition he is expected to hold at least on campaign event while the Republic Convention is underway. He's expected to address the veterans of the American Legion.
Republicans say they will be watching that speech closely to gauge how veterans are responding to the Swift Boat controversy.
Joe Johnson, CNN, Tacoma, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
GRIFFIN: Tropical storm Gaston swirling off the Carolina coast this hour. We're going to have a live report from Georgetown, South Carolina, right in the path.
NGUYEN: Plus we have a look at Labor Day getaways. Don't you want to get away? Well, you still have time to make plans for next weekend and we can show you some great deals.
GRIFFIN: Bike helmets to cafeteria foods, choices that will keep your kids healthy as they go back to school. That is ahead on "HOUSE CALL."
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HOLLY FIRFER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): There are many claims that soy might prevent everything from cancer and heart disease to menopause, but does it really help? For instance does soy help menopause?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It doesn't change the cognitive effects of menopause. It doesn't change the sleep disturbances of menopause. But yes, it will take away hot flashes.
FIRFER: The reason, soy contains isoflavins (ph), which can mimic estrogen. Some researchers have been concerned that ingredient could cause cancer in post menopausal women, but recent studies show that's now the case.
Studies also suggest soy might reduce the risks of cancer for some women, but if you're at risk for breast cancer the American Cancer Society says, taking soy might not be a good idea.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's not a cure all, it not an end all, it's not a magic potent, but it is a good dietary supplement.
FIRFER: Holly Firfer, CNN, Atlanta.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NGUYEN: Tropical Storm Gaston, soon to be hurricane is coming ashore along the South Carolina coast.
GRIFFIN: Erin Kienzle, WCSC is standing by in Georgetown's boardwalk, South Carolina. That's just north of Charleston. Isn't that right, Erin?
ERIN KIENZLE, WCSC: That's right, yes. We're north of the storm and right now we're managing to stay relatively dry. Just a few sprinkles. Winds are starting to pick up, plus high tide is coming in. And with this storm we expect three to six inches of rain fall on top of the high tide. We could see moderate to severe flooding. And folks in Georgetown say that this is the spot where you would see the flooding.
We have been watching right here this beam, if you will, in the water. And just about an hour ago you can see, imagine where those two posts cross, that's now under water so that's how high the tide is.
And it is also an astronomical high tide, which is also, of course, going to add to the flooding.
And I just have to mention this. As we are waiting for the storm, the rains, the winds to pick up, I'm also standing by the sigh that says "Do Not Feed the Alligators." So, just a little something also at the back of our mid.
But folks here in Georgetown they've tied down their boats and just waiting to brace and ride out the storm.
Reporting live in Georgetown, I'm Erin Kienzle. I'll send it back to you in Atlanta.
NGUYEN: Not sure you're going to be dealing with alligators today. Maybe a lot of rain, but probably not alligators.
Thank you.
GRIFFIN: Be careful just the same.
If you're just joining us we're going to take a look at what's happening. Gaston whipping South Carolina with wind and rains. The storm it just popped up in the Atlantic on Friday basically and this morning took aim at the middle of the Palm Meadows (ph) states coastline. It's slow moving and does threaten, as we've been reporting, some serious flooding in those already saturated areas.
In New York City, Madison Square Garden is buzzing with last minute preps for the Republican National Convention. The four day garden party will culminate Thursday with President Bush rallying supporters in his bid for a second term.
NGUYEN: And we will have much more including the Athens closing ceremonies, which will be taking place today. And plus we are following Tropical Storm Gaston. Rob Marciano is following that as well and he'll have an update when we get back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
GRIFFIN: We're getting some word now that churches in the Charleston and South Carolina area are canceling services this morning, want everybody to stay home.
NGUYEN: Road closings, churches, people are urged to stay inside. What is Gaston doing right now Rob Marciano?
MARCIANO: Drifting off to the north and doing so in a fairly orderly manner guys. Welcome back. Here we go. This is the eye of the storm and actually it's pretty much making landfall right now. And over the next couple of hours it will be moving, scooting just to the east of Charleston.
Right now we've got wind at Myrtle Beach not too bad, 25, 30 miles and hour. So, it has some time before it really takes effect there. But really the impressive thing about this particularly storm which is, I should mention, not quite a hurricane just yet, almost, almost.
But the rain and the squally weather goes well inland into Columbia, South Carolina. So, I95 drivers definitely feeling the brunt of this storm as well.
Here's Charleston. It's about 30 miles, just offshore, but here's the eye and here's the coastline. So, it's pretty much making landfall right now and will continue to do so as it drifts to the north at about seven miles an hour.
Wilmington back towards Myrtle Beach and a lot of rain into Florence. Myrtle Beach seven inches above normal for rainfall for the month of August. A full foot of rain. And they average about five inches for the month of August itself.
These are the latest numbers, winds at 70 miles an hour. If they get up to 75 it will be classified as a category one hurricane, moving through the north at seven. And right now it's just a tropical storm.
This front is going to push it offshore a little bit as it gets closer to it, but it's a pretty slow moving front. And this has dumped some heavy rain. Yesterday it dumped heavy rain in Kansas City. Last night in through in Ohio, and Detroit also seeing some showers and storms with this particular system.
Cool and dry though in Chicago 70. Hazy, hot and humid ahead of this system, 90 in D.C., 90 in New York, and 86 degrees in Boston.
One of the things they don't want to see is Hurricane Hugo. They had it about 15 years ago across parts of South Carolina. Do we or do we not have any video of that historic storm that almost every tropical meteorologist has studied at one time or another. Here we go, Hurricane Hugo. And they have since retired that name, making landfall in South Carolina about 15 years ago, and that's some of the video.
That is not what we're going to see Drew and Betty as Gaston moves on shore, even if it becomes a hurricane in the next couple of hours.
NGUYEN: Not a category four like Hugo.
MARCIANO: No.
NGUYEN: That thing caused some what, $7 billion in damage?
MARCIANO: it's one of the highest...
GRIFFIN: I covered that one and I remember how wide it was. Remember that? It was a huge massive storm.
MARCIANO: It's one of those -- everybody has studied if you study meteorology Hugh is one of them.
GRIFFIN: All right. Thanks Rob.
NGUYEN: Thanks Rob.
MARCIANO: OK.
GRIFFIN: Other headlines across America. Police in the Houston, Texas area say a 10 year old killed his father, shooting him repeatedly. The alleged motive, the boy apparently didn't want to spend the weekend with his dad. His parents are divorced.
In northern Arizona federal officials sifting through the wreckage of a plane collision. Two stunt planes hit each other yesterday during a practice. Both pilots who taught at top flight schools were killed. Officials trying to find out what went wrong there.
Finally the singer known for her 1980s mega hit, "Gloria" is dead, Laura Branigan. She was 47 years old. Her brother said she died of a brain aneurysm at her Long Island home. Branigan had several albums, four Grammy nominations, but she never topped the signature song from her debut album.
Gloria stayed atop the pop charts for 36 weeks.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
GRIFFIN: Seeing all of those pictures from the Olympics may want you to travel, right? Looks good. Well it's too late for Greece for the Olympics, but for Americans who've just got to get away the Labor Day weekend the last blast of summer. Stephanie Oswald is editor-in- chief and co-founder, "Travel Girl" magazine. She's here right now to tell us about some very incredible deals. These are really great deals if you can just bust up and go.
STEPHANIE OSWALD, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, "TRAVEL GIRL" MAGAZINE: That's true. There are fantastic deals right now, especially domestic carriers. They have flights, you can go anywhere, $200 can get you from coast to coast. New York City to Miami for less than $200.
And if you want to go to Mexico or the Caribbean American Airlines has this deal right now. The beach is calling. So, make your plans.
GRIFFIN: Well, let's run through it. We have some of the information, I believe, on the screen. Let's talk about what you think is the best deal if you can just -- I mean you can just make this decision this morning and go next weekend?
OSWALD: Exactly. There are actually some Web sites, flight59.com is one that I always talk about. It's -- you can book a flight up to three hours before for domestic and five hours international. So if you're ready to go and you've got a few hours you can take off.
GRIFFIN: Let's talk some specifics. You're sitting in Chicago right now. Man you've just go to get to LA.
OSWALD: Oh, go to the Web site and pretty much that's going to be probably less than $200 right now.
But here's the key. You can't just go there and say I want to leave at 6 o'clock and I want to return at 6 o'clock on Sunday night. You have to be able to say I'm going to be flexible. I might have to leave Saturday morning at 8. Or I might have to come back Monday morning or Tuesday morning instead of, you know, Sunday night. You have to be very flexible.
GRIFFIN: How did this -- is this the total end of the season for these air carriers and they're just trying to get whatever money then can before the fall slump starts?
OSWALD: You know, I think part of it is the attitude Labor Day weekend it's a time -- it a last hurrah and people just want to take off and the airlines and the cruise ships, I mean it's not just airlines it's cruise ships too. You can get some great deals on cruises right now. And there are so many more different ports along both coasts and the Gulf of Mexico.
If you can -- if you don't want to fly, you can get in your car, drive to a part and take a cruise. And Labor Day weekend a lot of great deals for that as well.
GRIFFIN: You have some other tips talking about determining your travel goal. What's a travel goal? OSWALD: What I mean is do you want to just take off, does it not matter? I mean you can go to a -- there's another Web site called eleventhhourvacations.com where you -- all you need is a destination city, a departure city or a date. So, all you need is one of those things.
So, if you know you just want to take off you put in well, I'm in Atlanta. Where can I go from Atlanta? It will give you the top five deals to get away from Atlanta.
Or if you know I want to go to Aruba you put in there I want to go to Aruba it will give you the top five deals to get to Aruba.
GRIFFIN: Your other tip is pretty much self explanatory except for squeaky wheel philosophy. What is that?
OSWALD: The squeaky wheel philosophy is that if you see a deal online, like there's another Web site called travelzoo.com, and Travel Zoo they are kind of a warehouse and there are say, right now if you go on there there's about 40 deals. But not all of those deals are happening right now.
For example there's one on there for Greece, $899 to Greece for next weekend. Well, that included airfare and four nights at a hotel. That deal is not available right now. It was available when it first went up on the Web site.
But if you go to a Web site like that and you find a deal, for example, the Kimberly Hotel in New York, they were advertising $195 for a junior suite including breakfast and a yacht cruise around the harbor in New York. Well, I called there and that was no longer available.
However, when I mentioned the Travel Zoo Web site and they deal they said well, we'll give you a room for $195. So, you still get the same rate, but you didn't get the breakfast or the cruise.
And once I talked to them for a few more minutes they said well, you know what if the cruise is available and you're there we would give you the cruise too.
GRIFFIN: All right.
OSWALD: That's what I'm talking about. You've got to ask sometimes and they'll still give you a deal.
NGUYEN: $195, that is a deal.
OSWALD: Yes, yes.
GRIFFIN: All right, Stephanie Oswald, thank you for those travel tips.
NGUYEN: Flight59.com and eleventhhourvacations.com. I've written them down.
GRIFFIN: I've got a feeling this will be a solo show.
NGUYEN: Not here next weekend.
OSWALD: All right.
NGUYEN: Well, classes, field trips, after school sports they've all started up again. We'll get advice to make sure your child is fit for all of it. That's ahead on "HOUSE CALL" right after this break and some headlines.
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